National University of Ireland, Galway
Master of Arts: Advanced Language Skills, German,
2014-2015
Introduction
This Masters programme is designed to provide advanced linguistic and technical training to prepare
linguists for careers in several areas of specialised language work. It will offer graduates in languages
the possibility of developing their language skills to a very high level, deepening their understanding
of the workings of language as an essential communication tool and gaining experience in the
expanding area of translation technology.
The emphasis is placed on:
 the development of skills in advanced and specialised translation with an emphasis on translation
software and the latest technological developments
 advanced language skills both oral and written. Students will acquire a very high level of
communication skills in German and through translation practice into English also refine written
English expression
 independent research: each student will complete a dissertation of approximately 15,000-20,000
words on a topic to be decided in consultation with staff members. This module enables students
to undertake a substantial research project and demonstrate capacity for independent research.
 training in the skills of consecutive interpreting
 developing skills in intercultural communication which will lead to a better understanding of
today’s culturally diverse world.
Entry requirements
An interview may form part of the selection process. Ideally, students should have at least a 2:2
honours degree in the language they wish to study. In addition, applicants should have spent a total
of at least twelve months in the country whose language they wish to study. Non-native speakers of
English should ideally have a degree in English.
Students from outside of Ireland whose first language is not English must provide documented
evidence that their English language ability meets the required standard for admission. They should
demonstrate an excellent level in results from an acceptable English language proficiency test (an
overall minimum IELTS score of at least 6.5 or equivalent undertaken no more than two years prior to
the commencement of this programme at the University).
Course Structure
A total of 90 European Credit Transfer System credits will be required for the completion of the
degree. The programme will start in September 2014 depending on numbers and may not be on offer
at each cycle. The programme is full-time over one academic year (September to August) and can be
changed as deemed necessary. Contact hours may vary depending on course participants. Please
note that assessments may take place in week 13 of term, therefore you should also count this week
as part of the programme.
Compulsory Modules: Semester 1 and 2
Code
Module
Semester
ECTS
GR 562
Advanced Language
Skills 1
1
10
GR 563
Advanced Language
Skills 2
2
10
GR 561
Translation
Methodology
1 and 2
10
GR 551
Minor Dissertation
1 and 2
30
Semester 1 modules. All three must be taken
Code
Module
Semester
ECTS
GR 554
Language and
Intercultural
Communication
1
10
GR 512
Modern German
Literature
1
10
SH 505
Translation
Studies 1
1
10
Programme Content
Translation Methodology, GR 561
This module will train students in the skills and techniques required by translators in the professional
world and will focus predominantly on specialised texts for technical translation. It will include hands
on experience with translation tools including TRADOS translation solution. In class tutorials linguistic
solutions for texts will be discussed and the skills of proof-reading practiced. Modes of assessment
will include a mixture of project work and regular translation assignments and in-house tests. This
course is offered from German to English only.
Lecturers: Ms Áine Ryan and Dr Maire-Áine Ní Mhannáin
Advanced Language Skills 1 and 2, GR 562 and GR 563
This module will consolidate and extend oral, aural, reading, writing and translation skills already
acquired at degree level. Students can extend their command of grammar and vocabulary and their
sensitivity to stylistic variation, nuance and register. Advanced Language Skills 1 and 2 includes the
following course elements which are each of equal weighting,: Literary Translation, German into
English; Journalistic Translation, German into English; Rhetorical Skills in German; Creative and
Professional Writing in German.
Lecturers: Ms Gabi Behrens, Mr Michael Shields, Ms Áine Ryan, Dr Tina Pusse.
Language and Intercultural Communication, GR 554
Intercultural competence is a necessary requirement in today’s multi-cultural society where we
interact with people from diverse backgrounds in our personal and professional life. This module
examines perspectives on culture and communication and the application of these to real-life
settings, for example in education, the world of work, in the area of social justice, and health care.
Reflection on your own culture and experiences of other cultures is encouraged. This course is
participative, makes use of a variety of media sources and is delivered in English. Assessment is by
class presentation and essay.
Course Co-ordinator: Ms Áine Ryan
Translation Studies 1, SH 505
The course aims to introduce students to a range of key issues, both practical and theoretical, of
relevance to translation. Reference is made in the course to a wide range of literature on translation,
with the aim of encouraging students to explore the subject in depth and to bring theoretical issues to
bear on the translation exercises that they carry out during the year. The course is delivered in
English.
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Mel Boland
Modern German Literature, GR 512
Students will read and discuss exemplary literary texts from various genres and literary epochs from
18th-21st centuries. Special attention will be given to historical and cultural contexts and to
intertextual relationship. Students will also learn to apply appropriate methods of interpretation. The
selection of texts may vary from year to year.
Course Co-ordinator: Professor Hans-Walter Schmidt-Hannisa
Dissertation, GR 551
This module enables students to undertake a substantial research project on any aspect of the
programme, subject to the approval of the programme coordinators. The module provides students
with the opportunity to demonstrate how the theoretical and methodological issues of their MA
studies relate to a topic of their choice within their discipline. The dissertation will show that the
student has applied the full range of knowledge and resources applicable to the topic, has
demonstrated the capacity for independent research and has synthesised and evaluated information
from all relevant sources and presented it in a critical manner. The dissertation, which can be written
in English or German, is to be submitted at the end of July 2014 and a viva voce will form part of the
assessment.
Co-ordinators: Professor Hans-Walter Schmidt-Hannisa.
Grading System
H1
H2:1
H2:2
Pass
70% on the aggregate
60% on the aggregate
50% on the aggregate
40% on the aggregate
In NUI, Galway any grade 70% or over is the equivalent of a first class honours or similar to an “A”
grade.
Course Co-ordinator for German
Ms Áine Ryan, aine.ryan@nuigalway.ie
Course Directors
Dr Máire Áine Ní Mhainnín, mary.mannion@nuigalway.ie
Dr Laura McLoughlin, laura.mcloughlin@nuigalway.ie